Balance mass numbers in nuclear equations.

Balancing mass numbers in nuclear equations is essential for ensuring the conservation of nucleons during radioactive decay processes. In a nuclear equation, the total mass number before the decay must equal the total mass number after the decay. For example, in alpha decay, a helium nucleus (mass number 4) is emitted, reducing the original nucleus's mass number by 4. Similarly, in beta decay, the mass number remains unchanged, while the atomic number increases by one. This balancing act reflects the fundamental principle that nucleons are neither created nor destroyed in nuclear reactions.